Kurai returned the greetings as they all introduced themselves. This group sure was strange. The small girl who was one of the co-founders only spoke in speech bubbles. There were actual catmaids from a cafe. Not to mention all the creatures that Dee Dee pointed out. Lowell seemed to be the only normal one in the bunch. At least they all seemed friendly. Still, he was hesitant to show off his summon and thankfully nobody asked.

As the tour kicked off a voice rang out in his head. 'You seem to attract odd company, Summoner. I am glad to see that you are making friends. You do not appear to have many.' He wasn't sure whether the demon was genuine or mocking him. Their constant monotone when they spoke made it nearly impossible to tell.

The young man was somewhat excited about the tour of the building. It sounded like they'd be looking at where the recruits would be staying during their time with the Guild. Kurai was reminded of the feeling of seeing the dorms at the university for the first time. That first taste of actual freedom from his father. “Will we be getting our own rooms?”

De/buffs: N/A
Used: N/A

What was with these old farts thinking that just cause someone was young they wouldn't pull their weight. Then he went off on him because he threw a few choice words back at the man when he started the whole thing. Kurai laughed when Rojin started his onslaught of M words. At least they were somewhat creative in their insult. Suddenly his mood changed and he spoke with a much brighter tone than before. “Good one. You really like your M's huh? The name's Kurai.”

Despite Seere's calm face, he was getting quite tired of the man's antics. Rojin kept droning on and was starting to get on the demon's nerves. Kurai's rages were obnoxious, but they were short-lived usually so it was tolerable. In most cases. With how long the man was going on it was hard to ignore how irritating they were becoming. “In truth it was happenstance. When he was given his Class I was bound to serve him by the system.”

Kurai grunted when Rojin hit him in the leg, but didn't make any effort to stand up. “Ugh you really like to listen to yourself talk, don't you? If you want to tire yourself out standing and complaining then be my guest. You can be the bait if something attacks. I'd rather sit here and conserve my energy until something shows up.”

As if on cue something could be heard from the treeline nearby. Seere perked up and firmly grasped his spear. “Stop your bickering, fools. You've attracted something to our location.” Kurai took no time to scramble to his feet when he heard the demon's warnings. He knew better than to argue with their instincts by now.

After a few more moments of rustling three goblins came rushing out of the bushes. Two of them had scimitars while the one at the back wielded a crudely made bow. “Damn I was hoping creatures wouldn't be brave enough to attack a settlement like this.” Seere spoke as they held out their hand and took hold of reigns that appeared in the air in front of them. “I'll take care of the front. Kurai will take the back. You may do as you please.”

A pegasus quickly rose from a red pentacle that formed under their feet. By the time it fully appeared Kurai and Seere were on its back. It quickly dashed forward at an increased speed until it was right in front of the goblin warriors.

The summoner dismounted the house and began sprinting towards the one with the bow with his arm outstretched. Kurai pointed a finger gun at the bowgoblin before putting his thumb flat. The motion caused a pentacle to appear in the air behind him and a red bolt of energy to shoot at his enemy. It rolled out of the way and shot an arrow back at the young man that grazed their side. Thankfully his defense was decent so it didn't cause much damage. “Damn now I'm gonna have to replace this shirt.”

Seere's spear shot forward to strike the monster in the shoulder. It swung its weapon up at the demon in return, but their attack was easily dodged. Despite wearing armor the man was still very nimble. However, he couldn't attract the attention of the third goblin that was making its way to Rojin.

De/buffs: N/A
Used: Basic Attack x2 (F-rank PWR damage), Glint In The Dark (20-meter dash at +1 SPD, +10% SPD 1/2)

Kurai laughed at the idea of encountering something they couldn't handle. He couldn't help but be excited at the idea of seeing what The Devil's Triangle had in store for them. It was like he was a kid with a new videogame rushing to see all the digital monsters.“With all of our summons they'd need a damn army to take us down! We'll be done with this in no time!” How bad could a C-Rank mission really be? It didn't sound like there was any combat involved so as long as they were careful they'd likely be fine.

As Lowell confirmed the wolves would be fine the pegasus darted after Seere in an attempt to catch up to him. Thankfully they were able to keep him in their sights as the pair made their way deeper into the island. “Keep an eye out for your beasties, Lowell! Who knows what kind of things we'll see out here? What kind of info are we supposed to give for these surveys anyway?” Depending on their answer he may regret choosing demonic beings. At least with beasts like the other man chose they could just find a bunny or a squirrel or something.

Which was likely considering that they were galloping down a forest trail at the moment. Surely they'd come across some creature or spirit soon. Maybe Seere would find something of interest as they were bolting ahead. Just as Kurai had that thought the demon ducked out of sight behind a corner. He cursed under his breath as he turned the corner, but couldn't see his summon anywhere. “Shit. I didn't think he'd just disappear. Whatever he can handle himself. He'll make his way back soon.” At least he hoped so.

Kurai stopped the pegasus when he heard rustling coming from the bushes beside him. “You wanna check it out or keep going? Could be one of those animals you're looking for. Or maybe a spirit? Would spirits be able to move bushes?” Hopefully the creature would be able to help them fulfill some of the goals they set out to accomplish.

De/buffs: Glint In The Dark (Kurai and Lowell +10% SPD 2/2), Leader Of The Howl (+15% SPD)

Oh great. If he knew his partner would be a crotchety old man Kurai would have passed on the quest. He got enough of that crap from his father to last him a lifetime. They even used fancy words that they didn't think other people would know in an attempt to make them seem stupid. Too bad for that bastard he was a well-educated man despite his appearance maybe suggesting otherwise.

Kurai scoffed at Rojin's attempt at insulting him. He'd heard much worse before. “Nice try you old coot. I'm rather happy with how I look. You look like you're about to keel over any second though. You sure you're gonna make it through this if something attacks?”

Seere simply shook his head at the pair exchanging words. He could tell that this was likely going to get worse before it got better. If it did at all. “There is no need for hostilities now. We are all here for the same purpose. If we work together then the night shall be quick.” The demon nodded his head at his wise words. The two humans would do well to just follow his advice and stop arguing.

Not that they expected Kurai to do so. In fact, he responded much like the demon expected. “Yeah sure whatever. Let's just get this over with so I can go to sleep.” He leaned back against the wall of the settlement before sliding down it so he was sitting on the ground. This would be much more comfortable than standing the whole shift. Seere remained on his feet however and diligently kept watch over the area in case anything appeared.

Rojin

“Killer mannequins? That sounds like a dope band name!” While he was somewhat disappointed Panya hadn't found any cool relics in her travels he couldn't expect much from a stranger. Even if she had found something she had no obligation to tell him about it. It's better to keep powerful things to yourself lest someone try to take it from you. Maybe Kurai shouldn't be so open with the fact he summons literal demons from the actual Hell.

Not that one could tell, but Seere was delighted to hear that the woman recognized his name. Maybe this day would turn out to be pleasant after all. He had someone to have a conversation with. Well, one he would enjoy anyway. Let's just say Kurai wasn't the type of company the demon typically chose to keep “Correct again Panya. This one read the books and it seems that was enough of a connection for me to become bound to him through unknown means.”

The fact Panya wasn't a ranged combatant could prove somewhat detrimental if they couldn't get close to whatever was on the track. Whether it be other people or whatever is making that loud thumping in the distance. Hopefully, they wouldn't have to find out what it was during the race.

Kurai's train of thought was interrupted by the entire carriage dropping a few inches from the weight of the newly summoned object. “Jesus fuck what did you just do?!” He shouted as he turned to see what happened in the back seat. Of all things he thought he would see he didn't expect an ancient sarcophagus being thrown around like it was made of paper.

Despite the extra weight the pegasus carrying the vehicle to their starting point didn't seem to have any trouble. “Whatever it doesn't seem to be slowing us down so I guess it's fine...” Kurai grumbled. Seere on the other hand was intrigued by the relic's sudden appearance. “Where did you obtain such a magnificent treasure Panya?”

Since they arrived later than most other competitors they were closer to the back end of the starting line. Broken architecture could be seen on each side of the track as Kurai eyed up the other 5 competitors. Most of them were in the normal sports cars you'd expect for this sort of thing. However, one of them was on a scooter, and another was on a motorcycle.

Though the carriage he was in was by far the strangest. Especially with it riding as low as it did. The comments of the other racers were enough to set off the cantankerous young man. “What the hell are you all looking at?! Mind your own damn business before you regret it!” He stood up and slammed his fist into his open palm. This caused a couple of them to laugh at the boisterous man and for him to try to get out of the passenger's seat up front to fight them. Luckily Seere was able to catch him and sit him down before he could do so.

An announcer spoke through a speaker installed at the starting line to let the racers and spectators know the race was starting. “Alright you ready for this?” Not too long after the countdown came and went. Seere expertly took control of the reigns signaling the pegasus to start rushing forward, but the cart didn't move no matter how hard it pulled.

Kurai pounded on the front of the carriage as he yelled out in frustration. “What the fuck?! Why isn't this damn thing moving?!” The announcer piped up after a few seconds of the two in the driver's seat trying to figure out what was going on. “Oh ho ho. Looks like somebody was trying to have a summon drive for them! That's a no-no out here folks! Better take the wheel yourself, buddy boy!”

Kurai yelled out in frustration again before letting out a long string of expletives and taking the reigns away from Seere. Finally, the carriage began moving down the track. “Yes! Let's gooooooo!” They were lagging behind the rest of the competitors due to the rules he wasn't aware of. “Damn this sucks. Seere just focus on taking out the others and I'll handle driving I guess.” As much as he complained about wanting to drive before he couldn't deny that the demon was much better at this sort of thing. He was kinda looking forward to blasting some people too.. "I'll be sure to defeat our enemies summoner."

panya

Kurai grumbled to himself as he stood just outside the settlement where he was supposed to meet his partner in crime. Well, not crime... Crime prevention. It was odd being on this side of things for him. Usually, he was the one wreaking havoc and having security called on him. Being the one people came to for assistance was an entirely new experience for him.

And not one that was very welcome at this hour. He only stopped by the place to find an inn to stay the night and the local security approached him with an offer he couldn't refuse: money. When the guards offered Kurai some points in return for a shift watching over things he figured it would be some quick cash. Riding around on Seere's pegasus between settlements and taking odd jobs where he could reminded him of happy days. So he agreed despite his need for rest.

He was fairly proud to admit it he had become accustomed to a certain lifestyle. Maybe not accustomed, but grown partial to at least. Not one of the spoiled heir like many would assume, but that of the vagabond. Kurai had run away multiple times and before he inevitably got caught he had to eat somehow. Temp jobs and under-the-table gigs allowed him to get by.

Seere hated using the teleportation portals set up to connect the world. Something about it cheapening his legacy. He stopped listening at some point during the monotone rant. In any case, Kurai preferred to move around the old-fashioned way too so it worked out for both of them. For the most part, the pair only used them when they had to cross continents.

“I hope this goes quick. Standing around waiting for something to happen isn't exactly my idea of a good time.” He began to chew at the skin on the side of his fingers as he waited for the other temporary hire. “You humans are always so impatient. You act like you wish for an attack.” The voice of Seere echoed through his head. Kurai mumbled something under his breath and the red pentacle on his hand glowed in the dusk. “At least the sunset is nice.” The sky was getting quite dark at this point, but shades of red, pink, and purple could be seen around the bright orange sliver of the sun poking over the horizon.

Rojin Guard Duty

Kurai hadn't noticed the gathering crowd while he argued back and forth with his demonic acquaintance. It wasn't unusual for him to draw a crowd with his antics. In fact most times it was his intention. While that wasn't the plan in this case he still managed to cause a scene with his shouting. Not that Seere seemed to mind. If anything he appeared to expect this as he calmly prepared the carriage for the race.

A woman gasping in awe at his demon's mount caught Kurai's attention. As she approached he put on a smug smirk and placed his fists on his hips. Whoever she was she obviously liked the pegasus that he summoned. Of course, she did. Who wouldn't adore a beautiful white horse with wings?

Oh, the woman was Egyptian. How fun. He hadn't been to Egypt in quite some time and suddenly felt a wave of nostalgia for the place. “Yeah I'm going to the Rally once we get everything set up.” The woman was looking for someone to help her in the race. How convenient. Kurai was still pretty weak with him being just level one so another hand to protect him could be useful. From what he'd heard the races could get pretty intense.

“Sure I could use some extra help. The name's Kurai and that's Seere over there. He's a great driver so we can trust him to get us where we need to go.” Despite Kurai trying to convince the demon to allow him to drive he trusted the man to fulfill his duties. Well as much as one could trust an actual demon anyway.

Without much fanfare, Seere popped up behind the man when they were done hooking the pegasus up to the carriage. “I am finished, Summoner. We may leave for the race whenever you are ready.” Kurai jumped from the abrupt voice behind him. “Great. Good job Seere. Let's get going then before we're late.” He then made his way over to the carriage and sat on one of the seats behind the horse. Meanwhile, the demon sat in the center to take hold of the reigns.

panya